What are the sites like in the 1400 Loop?

[Kagoguen]

This will be our first time staying at FW, and driving such a long distance hauling a camper , we have a 30' Jayco hybrid tt and will be hauling it with a Ford Explorer, there will be 5 of us, me and the misses and 3 kids, daughter 13, sons 8 and 2. I'm really thankfull for the other threads about where to stay inexpensively on I95 . I wanted to stay in a preferred site but there are none available for our stay 10/29-11/5/09, so I had to reserve a premium site. I requested the 1400 Loop, is that a good loop to request with kids who like to swim and such, will there be enough room for the vehicle, tt and for the kids to run around? Does anyone have pictures and advise?

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I have camped with my family of 5 on the 1400 loop many times.

It is probably the most convenient premium loop for the pool.

The 1400 loop is being refurbished right now. The concrete pads are being expanded, and they are upgrading the grills and picnic tables. You should have plenty of room with the new expanded sites. I intend to post photos of the upgrade at some point in the next month or so.

Since you will be at the Fort during Halloween, make sure to read up on the trip reports from that time of year. There is a lot going on at the Fort and WDW in September and October.

TCD

 

[Kagoguen]

Thank you Tri-circle, I will definately keep checking the boards.

 

[Bluefamily]

UH-OH.... I'm about to break a cardinal rule and become the towing police!

If I read your post correctly, you are going to pull a 30' hybrid with an explorer from NY to Fl.

DON"T DO IT!!!!!!

As an experienced camper,(4 trailers-three tow vehicles and an RV.) I can tell you that you are endangering your entire family.

The largest camper you should be pulling with an Explorer is in the twenty foot range. Even that is pushing it when you consider the wheelbase and stability.

The other consideration is weight- go to a reputable RV dealer and ask them what your max GVWR is. Even though it's a hybrid, you will still be way over the specs for your vehicle.

BEST CASE SCENARIO: You make it there and back with no incidents but you completely tear up the explorer.

WORST CASE SCENARIO: Any emergency driving situation that requires avoidance! You will not have the maneuverability or braking capacity to avoid any unexpected hazards. If you try a maneuver, you will lose complete control and be at the mercy of where your trailer wants to take you.

For your family's sake, check out the cabins at the fort and leave your camper home.

For a second opinion, go to the RV.Net towing forum and post the specs of your rig.

One final note.- I moved from the extended edition Trailblazer (much longer with more towing capacity than an explore) to a Suburban because it could not safely handle my 25' hybrid! I also own an explorer, so my experience in this are is not limited.

Since my post is off topic, I'm going to start another thread asking for input from experienced campers so you can read multiple opinions.. It will be titled "Experienced campers help-Is this safe to tow to the Fort?" Please check it out.

 

[Kagoguen]

well actually the trailer is about 23 ft long but after all the beds are pushed out it is 29', it weighs 5400lbs and my explorer can haul upto 7500lbs, and I also have the tow and sway hitch, so with that said what do you think?

 

[Bluefamily]

Whew... Sorry for the over reaction, but picturing a 30' trailer behind an explorer made me very nervous for you and everyone on the highway!

A 23' is much more manageable and while still pushing the limits of an explorer, can be done safely if you take it slow and easy.

Happy camping and have a great trip.

 

[Kagoguen]

Thanks for caring Bluefamily

 

[SCCamper]

It helps to have all the facts. Hope you all have a great time and have a safe trip.

 

[Kagoguen]

Thanks SCCamper, I hope we have a good time also.
Does anyone have pictures, comments and or opinions on Loop 1400?

 

[Born 2 Fish]

Look, if ya wanna have a good time,,
bring your fish'n poles. I'm just say'n,,,,,

 

[proudmomof4]

In Dec 2006 we stayed in 1436 and it was directly across from the CS which we thought was great at the time, there was a lot of room on the side of the site to set up decorations. We spent a lot of time in the parks so we didn't notice the fact that there is no privacy at this site at all, we were pretty much there just to sleep so it didn't bother us. sorry no daylight pics, like I said we were in the parks a lot.

In June 2007 we were in 1429 and while it has no shade it is a very deep site and backs up to the canal which connects to the pond by the bike barn. We really liked this site, it was relatively close to the CS and by walking along the canal behind the campsite it was very easy to get to the campfire area, the TP and the bridge to the bus stop.

1429

this area is to the side of the site, as you can see there was lots of open space there.

In April 2008 we were in 1434 and we hated it, this site has zero privacy, it sits on a bend in the road and everyone who goes by can see you. We have been stuck in this twice and have never been happy about it.

1434

In July 2008 we were in site 1439, we really like this site, it sits right in front of the CS ladies room door and it was very shady.

1439

We would be happy in sites 1429-1441 except for 1434 and 1436, they are all close to the CS and campfire area.

I hope this information and the pics help.

 

[Kagoguen]

Thank you proudmomof4, those comments and pictures are great, that's exactly the info about Loop 1400 I was looking for . I agree site 1434 would not be a good site at all, right out there for everyone to see, I definately would not want that site

 

[hardhead]

1400 is awesome

 

[U.P. North]

well actually the trailer is about 23 ft long but after all the beds are pushed out it is 29', it weighs 5400lbs and my explorer can haul upto 7500lbs, and I also have the tow and sway hitch, so with that said what do you think?

Sounds like you have a Hybrid like we do. We tow with a Chevy Trailblazer and have a Areolite Cub 236. Like you we have the WDH and all the bells and whistles for towing safety. We towed it through the mountains to Gatlinburg, TN last June and IMO it did ok. We are going from south Bend, IN to Disney World this June and i feel comfortable with it. We do have in the plans to upgrade our tow vehicle to a Toyota Tundra in the future and really want to before the disney trip...but finances might not allow that!

 

[Kagoguen]

Hi U.P. North..... yah ours kinda looks like yours, ours is the Jayco 232 model, we loved the open floor plan, pop out bed in the front, back and on the side. I would like to eventually get a Ford F150 or F250 crew cab, for hauling, cause at some time would like to get a 5th wheel. But for now, I also feel comfortable with the set up I have, Thanks for your comments and opinions